Jared
They say love and hate dance together on one line.
My feelings for Layla don’t dance on the line; they destroy it.
It’s been seven years since she disappeared.
And now she’s back, but things have changed—I’ve changed.
I’m no longer the Jared she remembers, the boy who wanted to protect her.
I’m very much my father’s son, and I take what I want, and what I want is Layla.
But this time, I’m keeping her forever.
Layla
Seven years—that’s how long it’s been since I’ve seen him.
After painstakingly putting myself back together, I’m finally ready to start a life without his memory chasing my every step.
Imagine my surprise when my new beginning leads me straight back to him.
Only he’s not the boy I remember.
He’s angry.
Damaged.
Hiding secrets that want to destroy him.
He hates me. He wants me.
I’m not sure I’ll survive the man he has become. His demons threaten to destroy us both.
Broken People Duet: Deceive Me is created by Vi Carter, an eGlobal Creative Publishing signed author.

Broken People Duet (1): Deceive Me

"Jared." My voice sounds like a plea, and he drops his hand from my face, but the depth in his eyes doesn’t disappear. It feels like I’ve just woken up as I look up and notice Alex. Her lips are pursed.


"So, I’ll see you tomorrow?" Ashley’s words are drawn out, making me acknowledge her. A brow rises with a question, and I don’t blame her. I pivot toward her so I don’t have to keep staring at Jared. She glances between him and me. 


Heat burns my cheeks. "Yeah. I’ll see you tomorrow."


"Three whole days is a long time," Jared says, and my attention reverts to him. He still stares at me with a thousand memories. He rubs his jaw as the tension grows.


Alex folds her arms across her chest. Her nostrils flare, and all I want to do is walk away, but I can’t seem to make my feet move.


"Are you going to introduce us?" Alex’s words are clipped.


But once again, Jared stares at me. "This is Layla," he blurts.


Chapter 15: Layla